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Minnesota’s Emergency Response Agencies

Annual Report 2013 MNICS

Minnesota’s Emergency ResponseAgencies

ContentsRemembering 2 Granite City Hotshots 2 Wes Colsrud 2 Lenny Hill

MNICS Teams and Crews 3 Green Valley Fire 5 Incident Management

Teams27 Crews

MIFC Updates 7 Air Dispatch 9 Cache, Symbols Program 6 Dispatch 8 Intelligence, Fire Behavior

Agency Reviews10 Bureau of Indian Affairs14 Homeland Security and

Emergency Management16 Minnesota Department of

Natural Resources15 National Park Service13 US Fish and Wildlife Service12 US Forest Service

Working Team Reports 18 Air Operations19 Communications20 Dispatch21 Finance22 GIS22 Information Management23 Information Technology20 Logistics23 Operations26 Prescribed Fire/Fuels25 Prevention24 Training

MNICS Management 3 Board of Directors 3 Task Force

Cover photo: Green Valley Fire – Mark Erickson

2

Remembering Granite Mountain Hotshots

Wes & LennyCloser to home we said goodbye to two of our own firefighters this year.

Wes Colsrud passed away as a result of an auto accident. He was a wildland firefighter in the Sandstone Area since 2007 and spent the last two seasons serving as one of Sandstone’s Lead Smokechasers. Wes had a passion for the fire service and will be missed.

Lenny Hill was a lifelong resident south of Calumet and worked for the State of Minnesota as a wildland firefighter and firefighting equipment maintenance. He was the ground support unit leader for MNICS IMT A. His contributions to the fire community will be missed; as will his sense of humor and his concern for fellow fire personnel.

2013 was a tragic year in the firefighting community.

The Minnesota Incident Command System's Wildland Fire Agencies are deeply saddened by the loss of 19 wildland firefighters on the Yarnell Fire. Even though the risk associated with fighting fires is well understood within our work community, any loss of life much less one of this magnitude impacts us all deeply. These young men made the greatest of sacrifices while attempting to protect the lives and homes of Yarnell's citizens. It is a sacrifice that will be felt most deeply by their families and friends.

Minnesota Interagency Fire Center

402 11th Street S., Grand Rapids, MN 55744

218-327-4436www.mnics.org

Editor: Jean Goad


Board of Directors Task ForceOlin Phillips, Chair Doug Ottosen, ChairSection Manager US Forest Service

Division of Forestry Chippewa National Forest Minnesota Department of Superior National Forest

Natural ResourcesScott Bressler

Dan Dearborn Voyageurs National Park Regional Director National Park Service

US Fish & Wildlife ServiceRoy Holmes

Kris Eide Homeland Security and Director Emergency Management,

Homeland Security and Minnesota Department Emergency Management of Public SafetyMinnesota Department of

Public Safety Russ LangfordUS Fish & Wildlife Service

Brenda HalterSupervisor Greg Peterson

Superior National Forest Bureau of Indian AffairsUS Forest Service

Ron StoffelDarla Lenz Minnesota Department Supervisor of Natural Resources

Chippewa National ForestUS Forest Service Tom Fasteland

MIFC Dispatch/Task Force Tom Remus Coordinator

Regional Fire Management Officer Ronda Estey

Bureau of Indian Affairs Assistant Coordinator MIFC Dispatch

Mike WardSuperintendent Jean Goad

Voyageurs National Park RecorderNational Park Service

Ex officioMinnesota Fire Chiefs

Association

State Fire Marshall

fire quickly moved into The Green Valley Fire started Hubbard and Wadena on a hot, dry, windy day in

Becker County. The fire was counties. Soon after, mutual met with immediate aid was requested from all suppression efforts by fire departments in Minnesota Department of

Hubbard, Becker and Natural Resources (DNR)

Wadena counties. firefighters and local fire departments.

Over 40 departments

responded to the first call for As the fire gained ground, help. Menahga Fire Chief the DNR Park Rapids area Dave Kicker initially handled called in an incident coordination of the local fire management team (IMT) to department resources. As assume command. multiple resources began

arriving at the same time as This fast-moving wildfire multiple calls for help, Kicker taxed local fire departments. sought help from the State Initially Wolf Lake VFD Fire Marshal's Office and requested mutual aid from the IMT liaison to coordinate Park Rapids and Menahga fire department resources fire departments for and response. structural protection. The

MNICS GREEN VALLEY FIRE

Incident commander Mike Aultman speaks to attendees at the morning briefing meeting. – Mark Erickson

3


4

Incident Management Teams Green Valley Fire, cont. 53 local fire departments with

142 pieces of equipment, one

Unified command was “HotShot” 20-person crew,

initiated to coordinate three Conservation Corps

evacuations. The unified Minnesota 5-person crews,

command organization three Type-3 “light”

included the MNICS IMT; the helicopters, three Type-1

sheriffs of Wadena, Becker “heavy” Minnesota National

and Hubbard counties; and Guard helicopters (2

the fire chiefs from Menahga, Blackhawks, 1 Chinook), 15

Wolf Lake and Park Rapids. engines, seven dozers, nine

An Emergency Operations water tenders, two tracked

Center was stationed in vehicles, three CL-215 “water

Menahga and included space scooper” aircraft.

for the Red Cross, mayor and

a county commissioner. Over 400 people attended a

public meeting on May 15.

On May 15, a portable Many expressed thanks to the

Remote Automated Weather firefighting staff.

Station (RAWS) was set up to

assist fire operations. By Sunday, May 20 all

Weather observations were evacuations and road closures

collected and analyzed. The were lifted.

National Weather Service in

Grand Forks did spot weather The fire destroyed 12 homes,

forecasts twice a day. 43 outbuildings, and three

commercial properties. There

The operations direction for were 136 private landowners

the Green Valley Fire was to who had structures destroyed

keep the fire from burning or threatened by the fire.

south toward the city of Suppression efforts saved

Menahga and east toward over 400 structures. The fire

other private lands and state burned 7,100 acres of pine

forest lands, secure the fire plantations, mixed

perimeter, protect unburned hardwoods, and upland grass.

structures within the

perimeter, mop up 150 feet There were no injuries or

from structures and control accidents reported for the

lines, and locate and incident.

extinguish burning chip, slash

and dozer piles. – Mike Aultman

– Jean Goad

Approximately 217 personnel

were on the ground during

the peak of suppression efforts. Resources included

Ron Guck, safety, and John Drimmel, plans, listen during a briefing. – Mark Erickson

Nearly 400 people attended a public meeting. Mark Carlstrom addresses the audience. . – Mark Erickson

The Midewin Hotshot crew provided firre supression during the Green Valley Fire. The crew is from Illinois. – Mark Erickson

5

Incident Management Teams as of 11-22-13

Position

Team A

Team B

Team C

Alternates (Alphabetical, qualified, trainees)

Incident Commander (ICT2) Safety Officer (SOF2) Public Information Officer (PIO2) Liaison Officer (FOFR) Planning Section Chief (PSC2) Resource Unit Leader (RESL) Situation Unit Leader (SITL) Geographic Information System Specialist (GISS) Logistics Section Chief (LSC2) Supply Unit Leader (SPUL) Ordering Manager (ORDM) Facilities Unit Leader (FACL) Communications Unit Leader (COML) Communications Technician (COMT) Medical Unit Leader (MEDL) Ground Support Unit Leader (GSUL) Operations Section Chief (OSC2) Division Group Supervisor (DIVS) Division Group Supervisor (DIVS) Division Group Supervisor (DIVS) Air Support Group Supervisor (ASGS) Finance Section Chief (FSC2) Time Unit Leader (TIME) Computer Specialist (CTSP)

Michael Aultman Kurt Schierenbeck Carl Crawford-t Ron Sanow Mark Erickson-t David Snetsinger John Keenan Mark Carlstrom Jon Drimel-t Barb Manahan- Thompson Brian Leitinger-t Bob Heisel Glendon Nyberg David Worshek William Julson-t Cindy Tisdell William Julson-t Gary Johnson Peter Willis Pat Coughlin Richard Marsolek Mike Wurst Tom Schackman-t Russ Langford Paul Pooler Mike Rice Bill Schuster John Kelly Randee Olson Meggan Nadler Mike Arlich

Greg Peterson Mark Wurdeman Ronald Guck Jean Bergerson Jean Goad-t Jim Wiinanen Barbara Jo Kohlstedt-t Paul Olson Jon Drimel Nichole Selmer Mike Locke BJ Glesener Steve Schug -- Kathy Schiller Jay Lauer Marvin Nygaard Kevin Throop Terry O’Connor Mark Seger Tim Norman Jim Edgar Tom Roach-t Dan Grindy Vance Hazelton Tom Fasteland Keyth Wallin Lee Kessler-t Brenda Miles Kevin O’Brien Lois Fogelberg Gary Goll

Brian Pisarek Tom Lynch Cynthia Sage Rebecca Manlove John Ehret Ron Robinson-t Mark Wurdeman Barb Manahan- Thompson Brad Witkin-t Brad Witkin Erik Stoddard Steve Gallay Nichole Selmer-t Darryl Holman Tom McCann Bill Lauer -- -- Don Lantz-t Bob Nelson Dana Carlson Joe Dickison John Bajda Kevin Carlisle Brian Jenkins Greg Vollhaber-t -- -- Marty Cassellius -- Larry Himanga Nancy Calder Ann Sampson

Mark Carlstrom, Jim Hinds, Jim Grant Mike Hanson, Doug Miedtke, Mark Hale-t, Tim Norman-t Carson Berglund, Marty Christensen, Jeff Edmonds, Kathie Hanson, Gil Knight, Lisa Radosevich-Craig, Jean Schaeppi-Anderson, Kris Reichenbach-t, Paula Shattuck-t Tim Knellwolf, Ed Leier, Tim Oland, Glen Bergstrand-t, Chip Elkin-t, Ronda Estey-t, Randy Jensen-t, Bruce West-t, -- Linda Bruss, Michael Chapman, Travis Durkin, Chuck Meyer, Paul Lundgren, Steve Teeter-t Jon Drimel, BJ Glesener, Jon Handrick, Barb Manahan-Thompson, Brad Witkin, Travis Durkin-t, Jeremy Fauskee-t, Brianna Schueller-t, Mike Wachholz-t, Jacque Brost, Heather Fox, Carl Hardzinski, Mike Locke, Shelly Sentyrz, Michael Tronrud, Sherry Watson, Becky Haas-t, Lori Karau-t, Molly Martin-t, Brianna Schueller-t, Tom Yankowiak-t, Dennis Brogger, Duane Cihlar, Jerry Jussila, Gene Mannelin, Les Miller, Bob Nelson, Dennis Cameron-t Dennis Brogger, Linda Bruss, Dennis Cameron, Duane Cihlar, Gene Mannelin, Les Miller, Bruce Green-t Maggie Belmore, Linda Bruss, Kristie Prahl, Jamie Chopp-t, Rebekah Luedtke-t Dennis Brogger, Dennis Cameron, Duane Cihlar, Jerry Jussila, Gene Mannelin, Les Miller, Andy Drange-t, Steve Frick-t, Don Lantz-t Pat Coughlin, Mike Hayes, Joe Dickison-t Mike Hamilton, Mike Hayes, Steve Mortensen, Bruce Green-t, Harvey Sobieck-t Karin Anderson, Scott Carrigan, Steven Stoks, Christopher Cox-t, John Ehret-t Chuck Larson, Jerome Skraba, Andy Drange-t Mike Aultman, Jim Hinds, Brian Pisarek, Kurt Schierenbeck Carl Crawford, Tom Fasteland, Bruce Giersdorf, Mark Hale, Mike Hanson, Mike Rice, Heath Estey-t, Jim Gubbels-t, Patty Johnson-t Cory Berg, Michael Crook, Jim Edgar, Daniel Koschak, Mike Locke, Brian Pisarek, Greg Vollhaber, Kurt Fogelberg-t, Ben Roy-t, Steve Teeter-t Jeremy Bennett, Ron Guck, Pete Leschak, Tom Lynch, Doug Miedtke, Tom Roach, Tom Schackman, Pete Lindgren-t, Ernie Schmitt-t Doug Lloyd, Pete Tentinger, Steve Tome Kevin O’Brien, Nancy Calder-t, Randee Olson-t Dick Peterson, Lance Sorensen, Cristine Basina-t, Valiree Green-t, Kurt Hinz-t Mike Marlatt, Tom McCann, Shelly Sentyrz, Kevin Twiest

MIFC Updates orders to other states (single special thanks to Jamie MIFC thanks Duluth Mob DISPATCH members, crew members, Thom, Kayla Brown, Cec Center staff and MNICS

engine and equipment crew Houtari, and Joan Remus. agency staff and duty

In-state dispatches members and aviation officers.

Minnesota Interagency Fire overhead). Dispatch also Thank you to MIFC staff

Center (MIFC) dispatchers processed 12 equipment including the Air Desk We welcome DNR NW

processed or filled 481 orders, 47 engine orders, 12 personnel, Forest Service Region dispatcher Elizabeth

overhead orders (including T2IA (20-person) crews, and dispatchers, Diane Nygaard, Bourquin.

single overhead resources, various other crews. Again, Jean Goad, Tom Kaase, Pat

overhead team members, this does not include UTFs, Coughlin, Debbie Hahn, – Tom Fasteland

engines, engine/equipment cancellations, and retrieved cache personnel and staff in – Ronda Estey

crew members, and aviation orders. the front offices. – Trudy Fagre

overhead). Dispatchers also

filled 18 equipment Resources responded to

resources, 36 engine orders, incidents in 23 states:

and 21 various crews. These Alaska, Arizona, California,

numbers do not include Colorado, Florida, Idaho,

orders that dispatch was Illinois, Indiana,

unable to fill (UTF) or were Massachusetts, Michigan,

cancelled or retrieved. Montana, North Carolina,

New Mexico, Nevada,

Bigger incidents in 2013 Oregon, South Dakota, Utah,

were the Green Valley Fire Vermont, Virginia,

(DNR) 7,100 acres; the Washington, West Virginia,

Buffalo Ranch Fire (Red Lake Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Agency) 4,923 acres; River

Road Fire (Red Lake Agency) Types of incidents1,664 acres; Camel Back Resources responded to

Road Fire (DNR) 221 acres; several types of incidents:

Knife Lake Fire (Superior preposition, preparedness,

National Forest) 188 acres; severity, dispatch support,

and Birch Bark Fire (DNR) aviation inspections, search

125 acres. An Expanded and rescue, wildfires,

Dispatch handled the Green incident management team

Valley Fire. exercises, instructors, and

support of two races:

MNICS IMT A, IC-Mike Minnesota’s Beargrease Sled

Aultman, was ordered for Dog Race and Pepsi

the Buffalo Ranch Fire, then Challenge Ski Race.

reassigned to the Green

Valley Fire. Thank you

MIFC Dispatch thanks the

Out-of-state dispatches dispatchers who helped at

MIFC dispatch processed MIFC and to the dispatchers

and filled 956 overhead in the field offices; with

6

Minnesota Resources Out-of-state

BIA FWS NPS DNR Includes

CCM

FS Includes

contractors

MIFC MNICS

Total by Type

Equipment (not engines)

-

- -

11 1

- 12

Engines 16 4 - 22

5

- 47

Crews T3, T2, T2IA, any - - - -

- 12 12

Overhead

Crew Members 40 27 14 73 66 - 220

Air Overhead - 6 - 102 132 - 240

Engine Overhead 48 12 - 18 20 - 98

Team Members - 1 - 5 16 - 22

Overhead Single Resources

55 15 13 170 123 - 376

Overhead Total (includes 5 rows above)

143 61 27 368 357 - 956

Minnesota Resources In-state

BIA FWS NPS DNR Includes

CCM

FS Includes

contractors

MIFC MNICS

Total by Type

Equipment (not engines)

4

4 -

7 3

- 18

Engines

18 1 - 13 4 - 36

Crews T3, T2, T2IA, any - - - 21 - - 21

Overhead

Crew Members - - - 442 5 - 117

Air Overhead - - - - 4 - 4

Engine Overhead 17 - 4 25 5 - 51

Team Members 6 2 - 48 8 - 64

Overhead Single Resources

17 9 1 74 144 - 245

Overhead Total (includes 5 rows above)

40 11 5 259 166 - 481

2013 Resource Orders Dispatched through MIFC

Numbers reflect resources that were on a resource order and entered in the ROSS system at MIFC. If a resource was not entered in ROSS, it is not included in the total. Actual agency numbers may differ slightly.

Enter Delete Place Retrieve Fill Unfill Reassign Release Cancel Cancel UTF

UTF

Aircraft 28 1 5 0 37 3 3 24 1 0 0

Crew 26 2 1 0 34 1 5 20 1 0 0

Equipment 323 7 8 0 322 9 23 224 20 5 1

Overhead 661 6 88 10 1,105 53 102 524 64 7 92

Supply 3,541 13 3,488 90 110 0 0 67 24 5 0

Summary 4,579 29 3,590 100 1,608 66 133 859 110 17 93

2013 MIFC Dispatch Transactions, since Dec. 1, 2012


7

MIFC Updates approved for use by the

for 12 DNR, 3 USFS, 1 NPS two contract aerial platforms USFS and is also expected to AIR students. supported fires in Alaska, be approved for the DOI

?S-378 (Air Attack) in Jan. Arizona, Colorado, Montana, agencies.DISPATCH for 5 DNR, 5 USFS, 3 Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Training in 2013: Manitoba, 1 Wisconsin Virginia, Washington and

The 2013 spring fire season ?Aerial Ignition/ Helitorch DNR, and 2 BIA students. Wyoming. came much later than certification for 7 pilots, ?S-273 (SEAT Manager) in normal, delaying the need 5 vendors. April for 3 DNR. Welcome to new aviation for aviation resources until

?Annual safety/ dispatchers Julie Ettl and Tim late April. We had a very

operations briefings with Aircraft and aviation Thomas. Best wishes for a busy two-week period that

National Guard and personnel from Minnesota happy retirement to Betty reminded us how quickly media pilots. supported several incidents Brasgala, air operations fires spread and how intense

?S-371 (Helibase this summer in the western support.they burn in Minnesota in Manager) for 10 DNR – Bill SchusterUS. Exclusive use contract the spring.

– Linda Bruss and 2 USFS students. helicopters, the DNR Cessna ?S-372 (Helicopter Mgr.)Our two busiest days were 206, three Firebosses and

May 13 and 14 when we

were active with initial

attack and two large

incidents, the Buffalo Ranch

Fire and the Green Valley

Fire.

Improvements to our

interagency operations

include the approval for the Minnesota State Patrol to conduct bucket operations and haul federal passengers on US Forest Service fires.

The Minnesota Army National Guard was approved for use by Department of Interior (DOI) agencies including the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the National Park Service. The MNARNG responded to the Buffalo Ranch Fire.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Hover Exit Program was

Aviation’s Busiest Days in 2013 Wildland Fires

North Twin Fire

5 SW Roy Lake

!tack 1

T-266

Salo Fire

1 N or Watab

2TC

Roy Lake Fire

5 SW Roy Lake

!tack 1

T-266

T-858

8TD

Naytahwaus Fire

1 N Naytahwaus

!tack 1

T-266

T-858

River Rd Fire

11 N of Berner

!tack 6

!tack 4

!tack 1

T-263

T-264

T-266

T-267

T-858

T-890

7MB

7CH

4BH

Bufalo Ranch Fire

W Side Red Lake

!tack 6

!tack 4

T-263

T-264

T-266

T-267

T-858

T-890

44BH

7CH

Roosevelt Fire

8 SW of Grygla

!tack 2

!tack 4

T-858

Birddog 151

T-277

T-278

Moylan Fire

8 SW of Grygla

!tack 2

3TD

Fisher Fire

Moylan WM!

!tack 4

T-858

3TD

Warroad Fire

12 SE Warrodad

!tack 2

Birddog 151

T-277

T-278

Meadowland Fire

5 SW of

Meadowlands

57Z

May 13, 2013Statewide?17 Fires?1,862 Acres?48 Aviation Dispatches to 11

Fires?98 Flight Hours?1,082 Water, Retardant, Foam

Drops?358,830 Gallons Delivered?Quickstrike from Ontario?Birddog 151?T-277?T-278

May 14, 2013Statewide?77 fires?14,875 acres?42 aviation dispatches to 17

fires?96 flight hours?497 water, retardant, foam

drops?294,970 gallons delivered

Reed Road Fire

11 N of Virginia

60N

Dalbo Fire

1 NE of Dalbo

Litle Scenic Fire

5 NE Goldenrod

7CH

Green Valley Fire

Menahga

!tack 1

T-263 T-264

T-266

T-267

T-828

T-890

56BH

River Rd Fire

11 N of Berner

!tack 8

T-264

T-267

Chinook 1

Hawk 3

Bufalo Ranch Fire

W Side Red Lake

!tack 4

7MB

83BH

Chinook 1

Hawk 3

Salol Fire

1 E of Salol

3TD

!tkinson Fire

1 SW !itkinson

8TD

Fire #31

5 NW Cromwell

57Z

Germann Fire

40 SE Superior WI

!tack 2

T-851

T-891

Fire #44

3 N Denham

71HM

Sturgeon Lake

5 E Sturgeon Lake

71HM

Ripley Fire

SW Camp Ripley

!tack 4

2TC

T-267

Hawk 2

Lake !lexander Fire

7 N of Randall

!tack 4

2TC

Randall Fire

6 W of Randall

2TC

Hinckley Fire

3 N Hinckley

71HM

Bradford Fire

2 W Isant

!tack 2

T-263

T851

T891

8

Fire, which occurred near activity this year compared

Menahga on May 14, was to 2012 when we were at

the most significant (and PL2 or higher for 340 days

destructive) fire of the year. and at PL4 or 5 for 82 days.

For wildfire, 2013 was a As usually happens here in By mid-May fire activity Another Remote Automated relatively quiet year. Winter Minnesota, fire occurrence slowed as cool, wet weather Weather Station (RAWS) was stubbornly held on into picked up as soon as the again dominated. Timely added to the state network spring of 2013 resulting in snow was gone. Dry rains kept fire occurrence to this year. This new RAWS, very little wildfire activity conditions prevailed during a minimum through most of named Kittson, is located through the month of April. the first two weeks of May, the summer and fall of 2013. on the Twin Lakes Wildlife Snow cover persisted and green up was delayed Management Area just east through most of April over due to the late spring, so Through the end of October, of Karlstad. MNICS agencies the northern half of the vegetation was still mostly 1097 fires were reported by now have 37 fixed RAWS in state and finally melted in cured and receptive to MNICS agencies, almost half strategic locations around early May. ignition. The Green Valley the average number of fires the state.

reported over the previous

10 years for the same The USFWS added a

period. Acreage burned was portable RAWS to their toolkit, located on the also way down, from a 10-Agassiz National Wildlife year average of over 64,000 Refuge. MNICS agencies acres to less than 23,000 now have seven portable

acres in 2013. RAWS which are used to help fire managers when

This year, MNICS agencies conducting prescribed were at Planning Level (PL) 2 burns and on larger

wildfires that require or higher for 167 days. Of weather data closer to the those, 80 days were at PL3, area of concern.and 10 days were at PL4. – Diane NygaardWe never hit Pl5 this year. – Doug Miedtke

This reflects the much lighter

MIFC Updates INTELLIGENCE FIRE BEHAVIOR

and

Acres Burned

Number of Fires

Ron Sanow, information officer, talks with reporters on the Green Valley Fire. – Mark Erickson

9

MIFC Updates FIRE SYMBOLS CACHE PROGRAM

Alaska and California had added the Woodsy Owl ABC busy fire seasons. Our cache teachers Supplement Kit to supporting both with cache our product line, and the personnel. Woodsy Owl metal sign.

Some of the positions our Our new Smokey metal sign cache personnel filled were uses an image from the Cache Manager (trainee), Smokey story book. New Assistant Cache Manager, items are a Smokey luggage Supervisory Cache Supply tag, Woodsy Owl magnifying Clerk, Cache Supply Clerk glass and the Spanish (trainee), Facilities Unit Woodsy Owl ABC book.Leader, Type 2 Logistics

The Northeast Interagency Section Chief, Small Engine We use recycled materials Fire (NEK) Cache processed Mechanic, and Cache Liaison when possible, with 50 National Symbols sales for and shipped 7,656 line items Officer. Cache personnel did percent of our products 2013 were up compared to totaling over $5 million; a total of 10 fire made from recycled last year but low in relation 2,521 line items of returns assignments. materials.to our historical average. for over $2 million; and

We processed 1,869 orders supplies to the Boise, We are excited to welcome We have the revised Smokey for over $900,000. Northern California, Cache Manager, Brian Wise. Bear DVD and Smokey and Southern California, Rocky Brian comes from the Friends Teachers Guide and We currently stock 79 Mountain and Coeur D'Alene Chippewa National Forest. are distributing these free.products. This fiscal year we Fire Caches for a total of He has a variety of added the National Garden $510,000. experience in fire, timber We are looking forward to a Club Grand Poster.

and dispatch. Please stop by great 2014 and increase in NEK also supports the cache and introduce yourself or sales, as we celebrate We highlight the annual

thsystem nationally by just say hi to an old friend. Smokey's 70 birthday!Grand Prize Winner of the refurbishing all the pumps – Becky Robertshawposter contest, changing the for the Southern Area Fire Fire Cache poster every year. We also Cache and Rocky Mountain Fire Cache.

The fire cache outfitted 12 Type 2 IA crews for out-of-state details; and provided supplies and equipment for two Wildfire Academies, four college training courses, and 20 other training sessions.

The cache sent supplies to nine contract helibases, three tanker bases, SEAT bases, and CWN bases. Sales to fire departments totaled $72,000 and purchase order sales were $40,000.

Firefighters worked throughout the night during the Green Valley Fire.


10

Agency Reviews BUREAU of INDIAN AFFAIRS

fire planning, fire investigation, fire prevention, wildfire use, dispatch support, aviation, MNICS Incident Management Team assignments and teaching fire or NWCG courses.

AviationIt was a very busy year for “Coming together, sharing aviation once the fire season

together, working together, started. The week of May 12

succeeding together.” saw many tanker and helicopter orders for fires all

MNICS partnerships provide over the state. the foundation for safe and effective wildland fire That week was very active operations in Minnesota and at Red Lake. The agency had throughout the United two fires start at the same States. The Bureau of Indian time on May 13 – the Affairs (BIA) and Tribal Fire Buffalo Ranch Fire and River Programs provided Road Fire. Both fires resources to assist with required air support from interagency incidents while the BIA and MN DNR CL-tending to the needs of the 215s along, with the MN communities they serve. DNR Fire Boss and SEAT

contract aircraft. Type III Suppression helicopters and the National Much of Minnesota’s 2013 Guard helicopters were also fire season was slow and used, plus a MNICS quiet. Fire activity began in Incident Management March and continued with Team was ordered and light activity into mid- reassigned later that day.August. Fire numbers for Red Lake Agency and Over the fire season, the BIA Minnesota Agency Type III helicopter clocked Reservations were lower 23.3 hours of flight time. CL-than 2012 (see chart right). 215 Tanker 264, (BIA

national contract aircraft) In addition to fighting fires flew 15.76 hours, and CL-215 on their home units, BIA and Tanker 267 also a national each Tribal Fire Program contract saw 17.46 hours of provided off-unit support on flight time. (See chart, right, incidents both in-state and for CL-215 activity on fires.) out-of-state. These assignments included Preventionsupport in wildfire Agency Reservations were suppression, fire severity, busy with numerous fire fire preposition, initial prevention activities attack, prescribed burning, throughout the year.

Prescribed Fire Wildfires

Reservation Number of Fires

Number of Acres

Number of Fires

Number of Acres

Red Lake 6 22,163 264 7,069

White Earth 9 682 54 149

Fond du Lac 1 10 3 +8 assists

9

Mille Lacs 0 0 12 5

Bois Forte Assisted

Leech Lake 0 1

<.10

Grand Portage 2

+ West Village

61 2 52

Leech Lake 4 91 Assists n/a

Totals 23 23,007 336 7,235

Prescribed & Wildfire Fire Numbers,

Reservation In-State Out-of-State

Red Lake Busy with their own fire season 60 individuals (17 overhead, 24 on engines, 19 on crews) including 8 engine orders on 18 incidents in 7 states: AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, WA, WI

MNA

White Earth Leech Lake 1854 Treaty BIA BJI

22 on 4 incidents (13 on engines, 5 overhead, 4 IMT)

8 individuals, 21assists, 2 T6 Eng, 1 J5 11 individuals, 6 T6, 1 PKU – 1 individual at 3 assignments

66 individuals (ALL MNA + 1854) on 30 incidents in 8 states: AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NM, WA, WI

22 individuals, 3 T6 Eng 34 individuals + 3 T6 Eng 9 individuals 1 individual

Fond du Lac 1 J7 FDA fires and assists

11 individuals (2 overhead, 9 on crews) on 4 incidents in 4 states: CO, MT, NM, OR

Mille Lacs Busy with their own fires 5 individuals (overhead) on 3 incidents in 2 states: CO, ID

Bois Forte 4 overhead on 2 incidents 10 individuals (2 on engines, 8 on crews) plus 2 T6 engines, on 3 incidents in 4 states: AZ, CO, OR, MT

Grand Portage 7 individuals (3 overhead, 4 on engines) for 2 incidents, 1 T6, 1 J7

18 individuals (1 overhead, 17 on crews) on 11 incidents in 6 states: CA, CO, ID, MT, NM, OR

Midwest Region 7 individuals (2 IMT, 5 overhead) on 3 incidents; 3 GLA T6, 6 T7 Shakopee

9 individuals (overhead) on 8 incidents in 6 states: AZ, CA, MT, OR, WI

Totals 40 overhead resources (on engines, crews, IMTs or single resources) plus 4 equip, 5 T7 engines, 12 T6 engines

179 overhead resources (on engines, crews, IMTs or single resources) plus 16 engine orders

BIA/Tribal Firefighter Assignments, 2013

T-264 – 2013

Date Hours Drops Fire Name

5/12 .85 2 Knutson Dam Chippewa NF

5/13 7.87 42 River Road/Buffalo Ranch, Red Lake


5/14 2.83 12 Green Valley Fire, MNDNR

5/15 1.73 13 Green Valley Fire, MNDNR

TOTALS 15.76 80

T-267 – 2013

Date Hours Drops Fire Name

5/5 3.35 0 Gaylord MI Huron/Manistee NF

5/13 3.40 0 Gaylord MI Huron/Manistee NF


5/14 303 20 River Road/Buffalo Ranch, Red Lake

5/14 3.17 23 Ripley Fire, MNDNR

TOTALS 17.46 80

BIA CL-215 Activity, 2013


Agency Reviews TrainingThe BIA sponsored four training courses in 2013.

ROSS Refresher for the dispatchers in the field, completed March 13 at MIFC, 22 attendees.

Introduction to ROSS (for IMTs IC, ORDM, SPUL, RESL, and LSC2), completed Feb. 27 at MIFC for 24 IMT members and 2 others.

D-110 Expanded Dispatcher Recorder and Basic ROSS, completed June 6 at the Wildfire Academy in Grand Rapids, 29 attendees.

S-270 Basic Air Operations, completed June 7 at the Wildfire Academy, Grand Rapids, 30 attendees.– Ronda Estey

Reservation

Number On-Unit Activities

Number Contacts

Number Off-Unit Activities

Number Contacts

Number Training Events

Special Highlights

Red Lake 14 1,514 5 577 2

Powwows, school visits, Headstart visits, MN Twins Wildfire Prevention Day, MN State Fair Booth, submitted 20014-2023 Wildfire Prevention Plan, signage

White Earth 10 2,465 0 0 -- 3 Headstart visits, 3 early childhood program visits, 3 K-6 school visits, 2 parades, 5 special events (on unit), signage

Fond du Lac 10 2,375 1 700 --

13 Moons Powwow, FDL Ojibwe Powwow, Spring Powwow, radio interview, July 4 parade, fire prevention news article, health fair, Labor Day parade, FDL resource management meetings, 5

th

Grade Forestry Field Day

Bois Forte 4 1,200 0 0 Powwows, State of the Band Day, Sugar Camp, Wild Rice Camp

Grand Portage 8 355 12 144 --

Headstart Sugarbush, Grade School Sugarbush, Career Fair, Mentorship Program, Headstart Leaf Walk, Grade School Leaf Walk, burn permit system, Headstart Fire Safety Day, Grade School Fire Safety Day

Leech Lake 8 1,000 6 300 - Powwows, Rib Fest, Parades, Picnic, Perch Jerk, Bug School Presentation, Earth Day, signage.

Totals 54 8,909 24 1,721 2

Prevention Activities by Reservation, 2013

11

The Bois Forte Agency installed the first-of-its-kind hose drying pole in October. The pole is 56 feet tall. It has four ropes with pulleys on the top and bottom of a closed loop. This allows workers to hoist four 100-foot fire hoses to drain and dry at the same time.


Agency Reviews US FOREST SERVICE

29 fires for 227 acres on the hazardous fuels treatments silvicultural treatments and Superior, which had four using prescribed burns and fuels work were completed wildfires managed with

6,050 acres in mechanical by Superior personnel.resource objectives in the

treatments. In addition, a Boundary Water Canoe Area

1,449 acre wildlife habitat Wildland Fire and Wilderness (BWCA). The improvement project was All Risk SupportKnife Lake incident was the completed with the Boy Through the end of October, Wildland Fires largest at 188 acres.River prescribed burn, in there were 485 incidents Minnesota’s national forests

had a quiet fire season this Both the Chippewa and cooperation with the Leech created in WildCad, a year. Abnormally cool Superior were able to send Lake Department of dispatch program used temperatures with rain and resources to help partners Resource Management and throughout the country for snow late into the spring with prescribed and wildland DNR. initial attack. brought a short and delayed fires.fire season. The Superior completed 980 Incident types and numbers

Hazardous Fuels / acres of hazardous Wildfires: 53

The Chippewa National Prescribed FireFlight Following: 128fuels treatments using

Forest (NF) fire season The Chippewa and Superior Law Enforcement: 10prescribed fire in FY13. began in early May. By the hazardous fuels programs Medical Aid/Medivac: 9Treatments include 3,383 end of the month the fire are integrated with forest Search and Rescue: 9acres using mechanical season had slowed down vegetation management Public Assist: 13methods outside of the due to green-up.

programs. In fiscal year Resource Orders: 98BWCAW. Mechanical

Smoke Checks: 262013, the Chippewa There were 24 fires for 25 treatments, timber sales, Wildfire Incidents: 7completed 1,514 acres ofacres on the Chippewa and thinning and other Prescribed Fire: 60

Mics. Incidents: 70Hazmat: 2

The Chippewa and Superior were very active in supporting wildfire activity within Minnesota, regionally and nationally.

Forest Service dispatchers filled 416 overhead orders in 2013 with many personnel reassigned to multiple incidents during a busy western season. In addition, 125 Forest Service staff were part of MNICS crews, and seven engine orders were filled with several crew swaps .

Personnel ChangesNew FS Initial Attack Dispatch Center Manager at the MIFC offices is Tracy Fifarek.

12

Conservation Corps Minnesota crew members unload a Beaver during the Knife Lake Fire. – Becca Manlove


18

Agency Reviews ·


13

September. Tammy Baden NWR for a position with the New district rangers are left Windom NWR for an Bear Mt. handcrew in SD. Mark Pentecost, Kawishiwi; assistant area wildlife Scott Snelson, Laurentian; manager position with the Many positions are being Kurt Steele, Tofte; Andrew MN DNR. Jared Culbertson held vacant due to budget Johnson, LaCroix; and Brian left the Litchfield WMD for reductions.Tritle, Black Duck. an engine captain position

on the Winema NF in OR. TrainingThe Forest Service Dispatch Darrin Franco transitioned The FWS coordinated L-280 thanks those who helped as the FMS for Agassiz, and S-234 classes at the out the center this summer: Glacial Ridge, and Rydell MNICS Academy and 2013 was interesting and Jim Burke, Jessica Ossefoort, NWRs. Seth Grimm assisted with other courses. challenging for the US Fish Ryan Kingsley (transferred to transferred from Morris Interagency fire and Wildlife Service (FWS) — Mark Twain NF) were our WMD into the District FMO refreshers and other local an extended winter, budget seasonal dispatchers. Jae position at Sherburne NWR. ourses were held at most battles, sequestration in the Nagle, USFS, Huron Cory Henry left the Detroit FWS stations.spring, an early green-up, a Manistee NF, served as Lakes WMD for an engine summer drought, more Acting Center Manager; captain position on the Mobilizationpolitics and a government Jason Ferguson, USFWS, Hoosier NF in IN. Dan Over 100 FWS resources shutdown in the fall.Texas Mid-Coast National Paulson transferred from were dispatched to 10 Wildlife Refuge, and Kim Union Slough NWR in IA into different states this year.Even with a compressed fire Owczarzak, BLM, Southwest the FMS position at – Russ Langfordseason, reduced budgets, Coordination Center, served Minnesota Valley NWR. and a shrinking workforce, as Acting Assistant Center Tamara Saxton left Rydell field stations were able to Manager. conduct over 130 prescribed

burns for 16,600 acres We also thank local staff: (significantly lower than our Julie Palke, Amanda Jones, yearly average). Drought Becky Robertshaw, Trudy conditions during the Fagre, Darlene Quinn, Mike summer lead to record-Mackey, Tasha Woodwick, setting drought codes (DC) in Ashley Schiller, Nancy the northwest and central Borman, and Debbie Hahn. portions of the state and

also lowered the number of growing season burns.

Field stations were able to manage a dynamic fire season on FWS lands as well as provide incident support to local and MNICS partners on wildfires such as the Green Valley Fire near Menahga. No severity funding was requested for FWS lands during the 2013 fire season.

Personnel ChangesLarry Anderson, FMO atAgassiz NWR, retired in

US FISH & WILDLIFE SERVICE

– Tracy Fifarek

US Fish & Wildlife Service Wildfires and Prescribed Fires

Station

Number of Wildfires

Wildfire

Acres

Number

of RX Burns

RX Acres

Agassiz NWR

0

0

4

4,177

Big Stone NWR

0

0

6

407

Crane Meadows NWR

0

0

2

276

Detroit Lakes WMD

4

158

14

1,325

Fergus Falls WMD

0

0

12

1,230

Glacial Ridge NWR

1

20

9

1,199

Hamden Slough NWR

1

1.5

0

0

Litchfield WMD

5

505

24

1,395

Minnesota Valley NWR

14

10

5

331

Morris WMD

5

130

20

3,226

Rice Lake NWR

0

0

0

0

Rydell NWR

0

0

4

123

Sherburne NWR

3

0

14

698

Tamarac NWR

0

0

3

744

Windom WMD

0

0

11

1,452

Winona District

0

0

6

14

McGregor District

0

0

0

0

LaCrosse District

0

0

0

0

FWS Minnesota Zone Totals

33

825

133

16,594

Agency Reviews


14

Agency Reviews South Koreans Visit EOC departments of In March 2013, HSEM Administration, Employment welcomed four leaders from and Economic Development, South Korea. Deputy Health, and Human Services Director Joe Kelly showed to create the Functional them the State Emergency Needs Toolkit for Emergency

The Minnesota Department HSEM Director Kris Eide Operations Center and Planners. of Public Safety Division of worked with surrounding explained how HSEM helps Homeland Security and states and certain Canadian Minnesotans prepare for, To successfully reach those Emergency Management provinces to finalize a respond to and recover from in need following an (HSEM) created new mutual-aid compact that disasters. The visitors will emergency or disaster, partnerships and allows Minnesota to provide take the information back to emergency managers need strengthened existing ones and receive assistance South Korea to enhance to know the makeup of their in 2013. These partnerships across borders. their emergency community's population. crossed state and preparedness.international borders and Resources may include fire The toolkit is a searchable, opened opportunities to and emergency medical Functional Needs Toolkit online document to help ready Minnesota for natural services, search-and-rescue Minnesota communities identify community and human-caused disasters operations, mass care, include aging parents, members who have access and emergencies. personnel, equipment and children and others with and functional needs and

other supplies. autism, those with physical create preparedness plans Historic Compact and cognitive disabilities, that include the whole Although Minnesota is Governor Mark Dayton people who live in community.capable of managing most signed the State and institutionalized settings, emergencies, at times Province Emergency and those who are April Ice Stormdisasters — from floods to Management Assistance transportation- Heavy snow, freezing rain chemical spills to terrorist Memorandum of disadvantaged or have and ice hit five southwest events — threaten to Understanding in May 2013. limited English proficiency. Minnesota counties April 9- exhaust state resources and This compact complements HSEM collaborated with the 11. After preliminary require the state to seek Minnesota's existing mutual Minnesota State Council on damage assessments outside assistance. aid agreements. Disability and the revealed more than $26

million in damage, Gov. Dayton secured a federal disaster declaration for Jackson, Cottonwood, Murray, Nobles and Rock counties.

June Severe StormsA strong storm system began June 20 in Stevens County, where 5.6 inches of rain fell, and ended in Wilkin County June 26, with 8.25 inches of rain. At the peak, 600,000 buildings were without electricity, making it the largest power outage in Minnesota history. Eighteen counties are included in a federal disaster declaration. HSEM participants at the October 2013 Recovery Workshop at Camp Ripley.

HOMELAND SECURITY and EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT


15

Agency Reviews This storm system caused communities as they recover staff responded a couple $17.8 million in damage to from floods, tornados and fires near the park boundary.public infrastructure. other severe weather.

National Park Servive If You See Something, Say School Safety Center resources were assigned to Something™ Keeping our children safe at fire incidents across the HSEM launched a new ad school is a top priority for nation in 2013. A total of 41 campaign May 10. Digital HSEM. The Minnesota separate resources and billboards in and around the School Safety Center was three vehicles were assigned The Border Waters Park Twin Cities displayed the If reestablished in July. It is an to out-of-state fires. An Group consists of 7 National You See Something, Say essential safety resource for additional five were assigned Park Service units in Something™ message. The schools, law enforcement, within the state. Although Minnesota, Michigan and billboards were activated emergency responders and Apostle Islands National Wisconsin. They are during events like the Race community partners. Lakeshore is not a MNICS Voyageurs National Park, Isle for the Cure, Twins home park, it is still part of the Royale National Park, Saint games and the State Fair. The center will provide Border Waters Park Group. Croix National Scenic

information, training and The Apostle Islands engine Riverway, Pipestone National The campaign reminds all assistance, and will help was assigned to fires in Monument, Apostle Islands Minnesotans to call 911 if local school districts conduct Minnesota and also to National Lakeshore, Grand they witness suspicious safe-school and threat western fires. They also sent Portage National Monument behavior or notice items assessments, prepare multi- overhead resources to and Keweenaw National that seem out of place. hazard and active western fires.Monument. The 2013 fire

shooter/intruder training, season for the Border Disaster Recovery and work with school Resources ordered by park:Waters Park Group was fairly Conference resource officers to provide Voyageurs NP – 41 slow. We had one fire at Assisting hometown the safest school Saint Croix NSR – 2 Voyageurs National Park and emergency managers in environment possible. Apostle Islands NL – 12 two fires at Isle Royale the days following a natural – Scott Bressler National Park. Saint Croix disaster is a primary Learn more about HSEM at National Scenic Riverway function of HSEM. One of .the first crucial steps in obtaining federal assistance is for impacted counties to conduct an Initial DamageAssessment. HSEM recognized a need to better train local units on this task.

In September, HSEM hosted a Disaster Recovery Conference at Camp Ripley. The Emergency Management Training Center’s onsite town allowed participants to go beyond the classroom to practice assessments skills using damage scenarios.

This training will pay hugedividends to the impacted

www.hsem.dps.mn.gov

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

Minnesota Army National Guard helicopters assist with the Green Valley Fire near Menahga. – Mark Erickson


16

Agency Reviews MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

2013 DNR Fires

Winter and spring, 2013, Minnesota crews, three Minnesota moved into the Arizona, California, Colorado, brought heavy snows, Type-3 light helicopters, fall of 2013 with abnormally Connecticut, Georgia, Idaho, temporarily reducing three Type-3 heavy National dry to moderate drought Massachusetts, Michigan, drought conditions that led Guard helicopters (two conditions over much of the Montana, Nevada, New to a very busy fire season in Blackhawks and one state, but conditions Jersey, New Mexico, New the fall of 2012. But, hot, Chinook), 15 engines, moderated and the fall fire York, Oregon, Utah, dry days in May led to Red seven dozers, nine water season was relatively quiet. Vermont, Washington, Flag days. On one of those tenders, two tracked During 2013 (as of early Wisconsin, Wyoming.days, the Green Valley Fire vehicles and three CL-215 October), DNR responded to quickly burned into three water scoopers. 681 fires which burned Rural fire department counties – Becker, Hubbard, 14,372 acres on DNR assistanceand Wadena. The fire destroyed 12 jurisdiction lands. The Minnesota DNR assists

homes, 43 outbuildings, rural fire departments by At the peak of suppression, and three commercial providing or administering resources included 53 local properties. Suppression DNR dispatches cost-share grants, technical fire departments, 142 pieces efforts saved over 400 In Minnesota: 349 assistance, low-cost of equipment, one Hotshot structures. The fire burned equipment and wildland fire crew from Illinois, three 5- 7,100 acres. No accidents Out-of-state: 350 training. person Conservation Corp or injuries were reported. Dispatches to Alaska,

Through the Federal Excess

Jim Edgar provides information during a morning briefing at the Green Valley Fire. – Mark Erickson


17

Agency Reviews Property Program (FEPP), $354,509. These funds went investigations. Of note is the 40 forest and conservation the DNR lends property to to 206 departments. investigation for the Green officers. Training plans are rural departments for fire Valley Fire and an in progress for a GLFFC-suppression. Local Law Enforcement investigation for a serial sponsored railroad departments may not sell or Through September, forestry arson problem in NE investigation training trade the equipment. When had responded to about 759 Minnesota. workshop. Recurring the fire department is fire-related incidents. This is training for all forest officers finished using the a 35% decrease from this Enforcement training this and a possible FI-210 session equipment, it must be same time last year. These year included orientation for are also in discussion and returned to the DNR. are tracked by an incident new hires. A two-day planned for 2014.

reporting system and workshop for wildfire – Ron StoffelEquipment is also available provide statistics for items through the Department of such as wildfire runs, assists Defense, Firefighers to other agencies, false runs, Property (FFP) program. public burning complaints, Under this program, fire statutes violated, tickets ownership stays with the issued, violator names, etc. fire department. About 42 Forest officers have issued vehicles were reissued to about 348 fire-related fire departments under warnings and citations to these programs in 2013. date in 2013.

The Volunteer Fire Late summer of 2013, has Assistance (VFA) grant parts of the state quite dry program is a cost-share and this is seeing an uptick program available to in fire enforcement related Minnesota fire departments events. The spring season in cities or communities provided some unique with a population under 10,000.

Approximately 220 to 250 grants from $1,000 to $5,000 are awarded in Minnesota annually under a 50:50 match. Project examples include establishing or reorganizing a fire department, converting federal excess property vehicles to fire control rigs and updating communications (pagers/radios).

Personal safety equipment, fire equipment, and training also qualify. In 2013, VFA awarded $284,509 to Minnesota fire departments, plus $70,000 investigation team membersin state dollars, a total of enforcement events. Several was held in March for about

Morning briefing at the Green Valley Fire brought together representatives from several communities and Incident command team members. – Mark Erickson

Green Valley Fire


18

Working Team Reports AIR OPERATIONS

The Annual MNICS/Great

Lakes Forest Fire Compact incident rate in is very good the air operations branch on

(GLFFC) Aviation Meeting due to the aviation MNICS Incident in Duluth, March 12-13, managers who coordinate Management Teams. They

gave agencies a chance to and the pilots who conduct have contributed to the Air Operations Working share procedures, protocols these missions. success and safety of air Team (AOWT) members and aircraft rates. We operations. were busy this year, working updated agreements with AOWT topics and actions, on issues identified at the GLFFC partners; and we along with air operations Combined they have over MNICS Annual meeting in held a course on flight information, is updated 150 years of experience in2012. Identifying issues and helmet maintenance/ annually on www.MNICS.org aviation operations.tasking them to individuals certification. (see “For Members” tab). · Jill Hebl, Forest Aviation or groups during the annual The site contains hazard Officer, USFS, AOWT meeting has been an Each aviation unit serving maps and aviation plans. It Chair, retired in April effective way to improve on the AOWT conducts also has aircraft, equipment, 2013.interagency operations. multiple missions over year. environment, challenges, · Keyth Wallin, MNDNR,

Oftentimes these incidents partnerships, agreements Helicopter Operations Our workload topics include require agencies to share and opportunities in Coordinator/Air Support aviation planning, radio airspace with multiple Minnesota. Group Supervisor retired communication, briefings, aircraft from various in June 2013.interagency carding and agencies. These missions The AOWT acknowledges · Mike Eilers, MN DNR, Air approvals, training, are conducted safely and several people who have or Support Group Supervisor operations, emergency effectively and many times soon will retire. These retired in November 2013.response and go unnoticed by the public. employees have been · Tom Pfingsten, MN DNR administration. Minnesota’s accident/ members of the AOWT or Chief Pilot / Enf. will retire

in December 2013.

· Doug Lloyd, MN DNR

Helicopter Operations

Coordinator/Air Support

Group Supervisor will

retire in March 2014.

· Pete Tentinger, MN DNR

Helicopter Operations

Coordinator/Air Support

Group Supervisor will

retire in April 2014.

– Bill Schuster

Aviation personnel visited the Brainerd Airport in March to tour a reconditioned DC10 airplane that can hold up to 11,600 gallons of water or retardant. – Jean Goad


19

Working Team Reports while using two different addition for our folks in theWe had Hubbard County Communications Working systems and being able to the field. place the VHF – 800 mhz Team activities started in use the “PATCH” if needed. patch into operation and it the spring of 2013 when This is one of the standard We are also in the process of worked although not much fires began popping up on operating procedures that obtaining another Com-use was going on between the western edge of the Red we have always used and it Trailer as the old Com-2 hasthe two. This type of Lake Reservation. MNICS works well. been decommissioned due interaction will increase as Team A was assigned to

to a structure (roof) problem more of the folks become those fires, when another On other notes – MIFC has that can't be repaired. accustomed to it. The major fire started between received the replacement learning curve will and is Park Rapids and Menahga 100-foot portable tower for The Radio Shop at MIFC has moving along. (Green Valley Fire). The the unit that was destroyed been replaced with the team was diverted to take in the snowstorm at former USFS Helitac trailer What worked well was on responsibility for that Greenbush last fall. from Ely. Communications the sharing of radio fire.

staff are all moved in now resources from our NIFC The new tower has an and enjoying the new radio starter kits to the local This shows how quickly electric winch, new antenna, scenery.fire departments that wereteams can be mobilized and cable and equipment for the – Marv Nygaardat the fire. We were all on sent to other incidents. The unit. It will be a nice the same page with these – Pat Coughlinteam set up operations in Thief River Falls in the

morning, was demobilized and reassigned, traveled to Park Rapids that afternoon – all in one working day.

For the Green Valley Fire, communications placed the 50-foot portable tower in the middle of the fire which had previously burned over. The fire was about eight miles long by two miles wide. Communication was established back to the ICP in Menahga when everything was set up.

What made this incident a bit different was that many of the fire departments from the southern areas working it were on the 800 Mhz ARMER system, while both our MNICS IMT and the other neighboring Northwest county fire departments were using the wildland firefighting standard on VHF radio.

COMMUNICATIONS

Tim Norman and Russ Langford confer the morning briefing during the Green Valley Fire. – Mark Erickson

20

Working Team Reports DISPATCH two dispatchers Thank you to the many Dispatch WT assignments for

attended. dispatchers that helped 2014 will be posted after the 4) Coordinate D-110 teach dispatch courses and MNICS Annual Meeting in

Expanded Dispatcher to Cec Huotari for organizing December.The Dispatch Working Team Recorder and Basic Ross. D-110, Basic Ross, and D- – Ronda Esteyheld the spring MIFC Completed in June at the 311.Dispatch Meeting in March. Wildfire Academy with Approximately 50 20 attendees.dispatchers attended.

5) Coordinate D-311 Initial Attack Dispatcher. 17 Team assignments for 2013:attendees.1) Hold a MIFC Wildfire

6) Create a MNICS-MIFC Prevention Open House. Expanded Dispatch Plan. This will occur next Currently under review spring during National with MNICS Task Force.Wildfire Prevention Day.

2) Host a ROSS Refresher Regular assignments include for dispatchers in the the Spring Newsletter and field. Completed in MNICS Annual Report articles.March with 22

attendees. Upcoming Training: 3) Host an Intro to ROSS for D-312 Aircraft Dispatcher, MNICS IMT Teams. 2014 dates - TBDCompleted in February;

24 IMT members and

LOGISTICS MNICS Annual Meeting last particular, remains the LWT's exploring the potential for

year. The team elected a highest priority. We are hiring a medical director and

The Logistics Working Team chair and set goals. trying to increase we may have found one.

(LWT) had many familiar Recruitment of logistics recruitment by providing Doctor Amery Robinson has

faces returning for the personnel, the supply unit in entry level training to those agreed to provide medical

that show an interest. direction and has been

invited to the annual

MNICS sponsored a forklift meeting. A medical director

training session in April. It provides direction to the

was well attended. Although Medical Unit and EMTs on

the training is valuable for an incident; this would allow

any logistics responder, it is our EMTs to administer

especially so for current and further interventions in the

aspiring receiving and event of a fireline

distribution managers. We emergency (such as oxygen,

hope this training will glucose, epinephrine, etc.).

provide springboard for

interested personnel to If you have questions,

pursue supply-side thoughts or are interested in

qualifications. participating in logistics on a

MNICS team, please contact

In Medical Unit news, the your MNICS representative.

MNICS Task Force has been – Andy Drange

Crew members from the US Fish and Wildlife Service meet up with others at MIFC. – Joan Remus

Aerial view some of the damage caused by the Green Valley Fire. – Mark Erickson

21

Working Team Reports FINANCE After hitting up the Baxter State. Many agreements (EERAs) on SharePoint, not

JCPenny store for a change needed updating with new many fire department

It's been a quiet year in of clothes and becoming equipment not listed. agreements are uploaded. Minnesota fire finance and much wiser about packing Having both on SharePoint the Finance Working Team. our bags when Regional Fire To better prepare for future makes accessing agreements So quiet, that one morning Guy calls for a little in-area incidents with multiple fire as easy as going on the web, this past spring, Beth Reusch

staffing, Beth and I arrived at departments, finance has instead of the time intensive and I agreed to staff an

the Menagha Community two suggestions. First, the alternative of tracking down engine for the Lewiston Center ICP to start some finance working team would areas or fire departments.Area asbestos forest for the exciting fire finance work. like to prepare a news article day.

for the Minnesota Fire Chief Happy retirement to Sharon As soon as the Central The highlight for finance on Magazine explaining how Karr, who as FSC1 taught Region fire guy had set the Green Valley was working the IMT payment process most of the fire finance hook on us unsuspecting

with over 50 fire works. cadre, and who never lost suckers, he calls to bump us

departments. Many had patience when dealing with up to Carlos Avery, “where

never worked with an IMT Second, we need to the most challenging of we will still be sleeping in and didn't know the joys encourage areas to use individuals. our own beds if nothing of checking in, shift tickets, SharePoint, an internal DNR breaks out.”

and the demob process. website of fire information, That's the news from fire Half way to Carlos, we get to enter fire department finance, where all the TIME another call, “Oh, since Some had never worked a agreements. are strong, the COST are you're coming north, you're

state fire and we guided good looking, and the FSC2 really needed in Aitkin.” Half

them in registering to While many areas have are above average. way to Aitkin, the cell phone become vendors for the private equipment contracts – Kevin O'Brienrings again, “Well, it's not

really worth you going all the way to Aitkin for the day, so why don't you plan to stay until week's end.”

I think Brian Pisarek was a little concerned when he saw a Finance Section Chief staffing the engine, but while fires were popping up all over, Aitkin didn't have a run that day.

However, the Park Rapids

Area had a little fire that

afternoon: The Green Valley

fire.

Next morning John Kelly

calls from Menagha looking

for finance help and our

engine staffing tour was

over. Engines make their way to a work area during the Green Valley Fire. – Mark Erickson


22

Working Team Reports The Information captions, developing a Management Working Team protocol for photo releases met in February to follow up and a photo release form, on issues and plan the setting guidelines for photos annual fire information used in MNICS publications officers meeting. and on the web, and sharing photos on the internet. Training for media visiting Guidelines and release forms an incident: To help media are available on prepare for their visits to www.MNICS.org in the PIO fires and all hazard incidents, toolkit. the team held two training sessions for the media in Social media: Because late summer in Duluth and MNICS partners have St. Paul. To help media differing guidelines for social unable to attend the media, the team decided to sessions, information is concentrate available on YouTube. on the MNICS website,

Twitter (sending tweets Working with photos: when news releases are Several issues were posted on the website) addressed and covered at and building the YouTube the fire information officers channel. That channel is GISmeeting including how to up and running.upload photos on the www.MNICS.org website, writing photo

The GIS Working Team held The MNDNR is in the process – Jean Goadtheir annual Spring GIS of upgrading to ArcMap Refresher in February. 10.2. This should not cause

issues as it is backwards Geographic Information compatible with version 10.1 System (GIS) response has and works with FIMT Tools been at a minimum this year 10.1.with one GIS specialist (GISS) and one trainee being GIS WT Memberscalled up with IMTs, making Co-Chairs: Sherry Watson, it difficult to qualify DNR; Jacqueline Brost, DNR; trainees. The trainee pool Shelly Sentyrz, DNR.exceeds the diminishing number of qualified GISSs Members: Glendon Nyberg, available for incident DNR; Bob Milne, DNR; Wade response. Mapes, DNR;

BJ Glesener, DNR; Darryl The DNR Mapmobile plotter Holman, USFS; Tom McCann, is being housed and USFS; Lori Karau, USFS. Task maintained at the regional Force Rep.: Roy Holmes, headquarters in Grand HSEM.Rapids. Purchase plans are – Shelly Sentryzunderway for a new, more portable and effective plotter.

INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

A deer stand survivesamid fire remains, Green Valley Fire. – Mark Erickson

Smoke from th Green Valley fire is visible from town – Rebecca Komppa

.


23

Working Team Reports Only two staff were able to Coordinating Group says e-

respond to an incident ISuite will bring most current

this year. Experienced CTSP I-Suite capabilities to an Dell E6500-series The Information Technology Meggan Nadler was incident, requiring only a laptops. These arrived in Working Team experienced paired with Mike Arlich on web browser for access, time for the spring some exciting changes this his first fire assignment. instead of the software refresher. Work year.Their combined talents met installation now required, continues to establish

standard setup and the challenges of this large (with accommodation for ?Recruitment/training of configuration for this and multi-faceted incident. incidents with no internet new participants, hardware. access, of course). The representing NPS, DNR,

?CTSP National Wildfire USFS. The working team is working official rollout is nebulous, Coordinating Group is ?Assigning two CTSPs to on establishing Standard so stay tuned.finalizing the CTSP each incident, an Operating Procedures and taskbook, an issue which experienced one and a documentation, a huge task We continue to recruit new has been in limbo since new one. Separating with technology a moving CTSPs from federal agencies 2002. Our group will CTSP and GISS tasks target. and counties.review this document at helps focus efforts.

If you or someone in your our Spring Refresher, and ?Inventory of Team We await changes to I-Suite agency has network skills, let include it in CTSP Network Kits and added (standard incident software), us hear from you!documentation and new switches and including e-ISuite. The – Ann Sampsonstandards.routers.National Wildfire – Lois Fogelberg?Team Kits include new

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

OPERATIONS members and their resource and reference for remaining leadership supervisors has led to the out of area resources as well positions on the crews. continued success of the as local personnel. The

program. guide will continue to be This year's main focus for A crew cohesion meeting updated and revised as the Operations Working was held in April to give the

The Minnesota Fire needed.Team was continued crew members a chance to Suppression Field Pocket development and meet, discuss crew Guide was updated in the 2013 MNICS Type 2 IA Crew operations of the MNICS operations, and participate spring and is always Bosses:Type 2 IA crews. The crew in team building activities. available for download on Mike Mackey-USFSleadership positions One of the goals of the www.mnics.org. This is a Joe Frenz-DNRincluded a crew boss, crew program is to provide quality pocket guide covering topics Ryan Petersen-USFWSboss alternate, crew boss training opportunities and specific to fire suppression in

Damon Laurion-MNS-ADtrainee, and three develop future leaders. Minnesota and is a good ICT5/squad bosses.

Many of the crew bosses and alternates have worked Four crews were organized

their way up through the again this year with the

crew. The working team primary crew bosses being thanks all MNICS agencies selected last February. for their continued support Those crew bosses then of the crews. The reviewed nearly 40 commitment from the crew applications to fill out the

Crew members check supplies before leaving for assignment.– Joan Remus


24

TRAINING training for the next two

years. The results are also

sent on to the Eastern Team Changes Region so that the Eastern Todd Manley assumed the Area Training Working Team chair for 2013 and will

is aware of the higher level continue in that role for

training needs MNICS 2014. The vice chair will be agencies may have that we the BIA, Robert Lintelmann.are not able to meet locally.

Accomplishments for 2013

2013 Training

MNICS Incident Accomplishments: In

Management Team calendar year 2013, MNICS

Workforce Analysis: The offered 15 fire training

workforce analysis is a courses which had 323

continuing project. The student registrations.

document shows current In addition to the MNICS

Incident Management Team courses we worked

positions and the people in cooperatively with the

them color coded by Mesabi Range Community

approximate years to and Technical College to host thretirement. It also indicates the 13 Annual Minnesota

trainees and feeder Wildfire Academy. The

positions to the named team academy registered 693

positions. The analysis is students from MNICS

updated annually so the Task agencies, fire departments,

Force and Board of Directors contractors as well as other

can see how we are federal and state agencies

managing our IMTs as more across the Midwest.

employees retire and new

folks advance. Also this past year, the Great

Lakes Forest Fire Compact

MNICS Priority Trainee (GLFFC) along with MNICS

Program: This was the sixth hosted a Section Chief

year we collected names for Academy in Duluth MN. The

the MNICS priority trainee Academy had 90 students

program. 176 people register for these courses.

applied to the program. Many members of the

MNICS organization helped

MNICS Training Needs with the academy and/or

Assessment: The annual participated as students

training needs assessment

was sent out in July with 2013 MNICS Instructor

results due back in Recognition The MNICS Training Working September. This tool helps Team would like to the team to select and plan

Top: Students practice deploying fire shelters during an annual refresher. Middle: Doug Miedtke and BJ Glesener fold a fire shelter. Bottom: Annual refresher students use a board to carry volunteer Jay Lauer during a practice session. – Jean Goad

Working Team Reports


25

Working Team Reports recognize all the instructors organization to provide such

The working team is also that provided top notch quality interagency courses.

looking at trying a The Prevention Working instruction to students in We will strive to continue Community Wildfire Team participated in these MNICS courses in 2013. So this tradition in 2014 and Protection Plan (CWPP) in events in 2013:many folks stepped up this into the future! Northwest Minnesota, in a ?February – Pheasants

year to take a lead role in small community in a high Forever

risk area. providing interagency 2014 Planned Training ?July – Blueberry Festival,

instruction at the Wildfire The MNICS Training Working Ely The team discussed the Academy, and throughout Team is busy setting up and ?August – Tall Timber possibility for a LEAD. The

the year. The TWT would planning for training in Days, Grand RapidsTask Force supports a tie in

?September – Wild Rice like to acknowledge those calendar year 2014. So far with Prescribed Fire/Fuels Days, Deer Riverwho participated as a lead the following courses have Working Team for template

?October – Smokey Bear instructor, unit instructor, been scheduled: already created. The Task Open House, Deer River

Force also suggested mentor or other supporting working with agency role to enable our The MNICS Task Force, cooperators with land or

suggested that the boundary ties, and

Prevention Working Team suggested starting small with

work with the Dispatch one community.

Working Team to host a Wildfire Prevention Open

Smokey’s 70th Birthday in House in April because fall

2014 will be an opportunity fire prevention is geared

to spread the wildfire toward structural fire

prevention message.prevention.

The working team hopes to The team is working with the

recruit new members from Information Management

all agencies.Team on the

– Barbara Manahan www.MNICS.org website.

Thompson

PREVENTION

– Todd Manley

COURSE NAME

DATES

S-390 Into Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations

February 3-7, 2014

S-215 Fire Ops in the Wildland/Urban Interface

February 2014

Rx-301 Prescribed Fire Implementation

Fall 2014

S-130/190 L-180 Basic Firefighter

Wildfire

Academy

S-133 Look Up, Look Down Look Around Wildfire Academy

S-131 Advanced Firefighter

Wildfire Academy

S-200 Initial Attack IC

Wildfire Academy

S-212 Wildfire Power Saws Wildfire Academy

S-230 Crew Boss Wildfire Academy S-231 Engine Boss Wildfire Academy S-234 Ignition Operations Wildfire Academy S-270 Basic Air Operations Wildfire Academy S-290 Intermediate Fire Behavior

Wildfire Academy

L-280 Followership to Leadership

Wildfire Academy

D-110 Dispatch Recorder/Intro to Ross

Wildfire Academy EVOC Emergency Vehicle Operations

(3 classes)

Wildfire Academy

S-211 Wildland Fire Pumps

Wildfire Academy

S-300 Extended Attack IC

Wildfire Academy

S-248 Status/Check-In Unit Leader

Wildfire Academy

RT-130 Annual Fire Safety Refresher

Wildfire Academy

S-330 Task Force Leader

Jan, Feb, or Mar 2014

Rx-341 Prescribed Fire Plan Preparation

Fall 2014

Supply Unit Leader

Spring 2014

L-280

Fall 2014

M-410 Facilitative Instructor

December 2014

Training courses for 2014

John Kelly and Larry Himanga help kids knock out fire during a game at the Minnesota State Fair. – BJ Glesener


26

Working Team Reports PRESCRIBEDFIRE

fuel consumes all the ground The working team is also spring dip occurs. New tools fuels and includes them in watching developments as may use growing degree the calculated number. This to why the “Spring Dip” in days or soil temperatures to works fairly well in western live fuel moisture occurs in identify this period more

Emission sources that affect states where, oftentimes, a conifers in the Lake States accurately. Even with timely fire burns through the duff and elsewhere. Recent precipitation, the dip will MNICS members include down to mineral soil. research shows that the happen and may increase wildfires, prescribed burns,

“dip” isn't linked as much to fire behavior. If fire and other open burning like However, Minnesota's climate and weather, as it is managers can more

agricultural burns. The landscape doesn't work with to the physiology of the accurately identify when this

Minnesota Smoke that methodology. Using the plant species. happens, they can better Management Plan (SMP) is model, NEI identified areas plan for response.the management document with deep peat as totally It seems that moisture isn't

consumed. The black spruce leaving the tree, but the tree In addition, the team will: for smoke and emissions fuel type showed 90% of is actually photosynthesizing monitor prescribed burning from wildfires and emissions due to 100% duff new material and adding to and wildfires to support the prescribed burns.consumption in the the “total weight” of the live next NEI; prioritize aerial Juneberry and Pagami Creek fuels making the water ignition needs in conjunction EPA released a draft NEI for fires. But, Minnesota’s peat component a lesser with the MIFC Air Support 2011. The draft put fires, never totally consume percentage of the whole group; review the Minnesota Minnesota at or near the those ground fuels. and, therefore, a lower fuel Smoke Management Plan top of the list for particulate moisture percentage. Most and provide recommended emissions 2.5 microns in Working with the EPA, the of this new weight is in the changes as necessary; and size (PM ). This category 2.5

Working Team was able to form of fats, sugars, and facilitate exchange of causes concern as it can request use of a “boreal” other volatile organics (stuff information among penetrate deep into lungs model for the emissions that burns readily). members.and cause health issues. calculations. – William J. Glesener

This may impact how The emissions reported in The new 2011 NEI (version analysts predict when the the draft were very high due 1) showed 10 fold decreases to including the Juneberry in the PM emissions from 2.5 and Pagami Creek fires the original draft for which occurred in 2011. Minnesota. The state’s emissions were still very The working team

thhigh (ranked 9 ) from past investigated. While the fires years due to the two fires had burned over 100,000 discussed. But, if the values acres in 2011, western for the two culprits are states had burned more removed, the result is very acres, yet had lower PM2.5

close to our neighboring emissions. Why were Great Lakes states (ranked in Minnesota's fires so the 30s). different? Minnesota was one of 12 The culprit was the amount states in the nation that of ground fuels (peat and submitted useful fire activity duff) that were being data for the 2011 NEI. The “consumed” by the fires in working team will continue the computer models that to support EPA data were used to generate the collection. The next run will emissions numbers. The be for the 2014 NEI in 2015.standard model for a given

A firefighter uses a drip torch to light a fire.

27

Crew 8 Lodgepole Fire, Idaho

Crew 7 Whiskey Complex, Oregon

Crew 4 Moose Meadow Fire, Montana

Crew 10 Eureka Fire, Montana

Weighing in at MIFC

Crews


28

2013 MNICS CrewsCrew 1 Black Forest Fire, East Peak Fire, Montana, Crew Boss Michael BildeauxCrew 2 Black Forest Fire, Brush Creek Fire, Colorado, Crew Boss Ben LangCrew 3 Silver Fire, New Mexico, Crew Boss Ryan PetersenCrew 4 Moose Meadow Fire, Montana, Crew Boss Philip MilletteCrew 5 Firestone Flats Fire, Gold Pan Complex, Colorado & Montana, Crew Boss Daniel ObergCrew 6 Big Windy Fire, Oregon, Crew Boss Ryan PetersenCrew 7 Whiskey Complex, Oregon, Crew Boss Damon LaurionCrew 8 Lodgepole Fire, Idaho, Crew Boss Heath SeversonCrew 9 Lodgepole Fire, Idaho, Crew Boss Joe FrenzCrew 10 Eureka Fire, Montana, Crew Boss Chris KottkeCrew 11 Rock Creek Fire, Perry Fire, Montana, Crew Boss Ryan PetersenCrew 12 South Fork Fire, Virginia, Crew Boss Nick Hasty

Crew 9 Lodgepole Fire, Idaho

Crews

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